80_FR_77236 80 FR 76998 - San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, CO; Availability of Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement

80 FR 76998 - San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, CO; Availability of Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 238 (December 11, 2015)

Page Range76998-76999
FR Document2015-31231

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a record of decision (ROD) for the final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Refuge Complex).

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 238 (Friday, December 11, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 238 (Friday, December 11, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76998-76999]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31231]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R6-R-2015-N208; FF06R06000-FXRS12610600000-167]


San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, CO; 
Availability of Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
availability of a record of decision (ROD) for the final comprehensive 
conservation plan (CCP) and final environmental impact statement (EIS) 
for the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Refuge 
Complex).

ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain copies of the ROD, the final CCP and 
final EIS, or other project information by any of the following 
methods:
    Agency Web site: Download a copy of the documents at http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/alm_bac_mtv.php
    Email: [email protected]. Include ``Request copy of San 
Luis Valley NWR Complex ROD'' in the subject line of the message.
    U.S. mail: San Luis Valley NWR Complex, 8249 Emperius Road, 
Alamosa, CO 81101.
    Local Libraries: The final documents are available for review at 
the libraries listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Vaughn, Project Leader, at 719-
589-4021 (phone), or Laurie Shannon, Planning Team Leader, 303-236-4317 
(phone) or [email protected] (email).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    With this notice, we finalize the CCP process for The San Luis 
Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex. We started this process 
through a notice in the Federal Register (76 FR 14042, March 15, 2011). 
Following a lengthy scoping and alternatives development period, we 
published a second notice in the Federal Register (79 FR 50937, August 
26, 2014), announcing the availability of the draft CCP and draft EIS 
and our intention to hold public meetings, and requesting comments. We 
then published a third notice in the Federal Register (80 FR 48328, 
August 12, 2015), announcing the publication of the final CCP and final 
EIS.
    The primary planning area for this decision includes Alamosa, Monte 
Vista, and Baca National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs), which are located in 
Alamosa, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties in the San Luis Valley, 
Colorado.
    Wildlife habitat on the three national wildlife refuges includes 
diverse wetlands and playas, riparian areas, grasslands, and shrublands 
that provide important resources for many migratory birds, Rocky 
Mountain elk, deer, and a variety of other resident wildlife. About 
18,000 to 20,000 greater sandhill cranes migrate through the valley 
every spring and fall, where they spend several weeks resting and 
foraging for food on and around the Monte Vista NWR. The federally 
endangered southwestern willow flycatcher breeds along the Rio Grande 
on the Alamosa NWR. Baca NWR has one of two aboriginal (natural) 
populations of Rio Grande sucker found in the State.
    Visitors take part in a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational 
activities on the Refuge Complex. Every year, the Monte Vista Crane 
Festival attracts thousands of visitors who come to see sandhill cranes 
and waterfowl. The Monte Vista and Alamosa NWRs are also open for 
waterfowl and limited small game hunting, wildlife observation, 
photography, interpretation, and environmental education. As part of 
this CCP and EIS process, we have considered opening the Baca NWR for 
similar opportunities.
    Over 12,000 years of prehistory and history have been recorded in 
the San Luis Valley, and all three national wildlife refuges contain 
significant cultural resources.

[[Page 76999]]

    In accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 
1506.6(b)) requirements, this notice announces the availability of the 
ROD for the final CCP and final EIS for San Luis Valley NWR Complex. We 
completed a thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and 
economic considerations associated with our actions. The ROD documents 
our selection of alternative B, the preferred alternative.
    The CCP will guide us in managing and administering the Refuge 
Complex for the next 15 years. Alternative B, as we described in the 
final EIS/ROD, is the foundation for the CCP.

Background

The CCP Process

    The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 
U.S.C. 668dd-668ee) (Administration Act), as amended by the National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires us to develop 
a CCP for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose for developing a 
CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year plan for achieving 
refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National 
Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and 
wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and our policies. We 
will review and update the CCP at least every 15 years in accordance 
with the Administration Act.

CCP Alternatives and Selected Alternative

    Our final CCP and final EIS (80 FR 48328; August 12, 2015) 
addressed several issues. To address these, we developed and evaluated 
the following alternatives: Alternative A--No Action; Alternative B--
Wildlife Populations, Strategic Habitat Restoration, and Enhanced 
Public Uses; Alternative C--Habitat Restoration and Ecological 
Processes; and Alternative D--Maximize Public Use Opportunities.
    After consideration of the more than 1,000 comments that we 
received on the draft CCP and draft EIS, we have selected alternative 
B--Wildlife Populations, Strategic Habitat Restoration, and Enhanced 
Public Uses. It is the alternative that best meets the purposes of the 
refuges, the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and the 
vision and management goals set for the Refuge Complex; and it adheres 
to Service policies and guidelines. It considers the interests and 
perspectives of many agencies, organization, tribes, and the public. 
Additionally, it is the environmentally preferred alternative.
    Under alternative B and in cooperation with our partners, we will 
maintain or restore the composition, structure, and function of the 
natural and modified habitats within the Refuge Complex. We will 
consider the ecological site characteristics and wildlife species needs 
on our Refuge Complex lands by developing sound and sustainable 
management strategies that preserve and restore ecological (biological) 
integrity, productivity, and biological diversity. We will apply 
strategic habitat conservation principles (a structured, science-
driven, and adaptive approach) in determining how to best manage our 
lands for native fish, wildlife, and plant species, with a particular 
emphasis on migratory birds, waterfowl, and declining species listed 
under the Endangered Species Act (listed species). Compatible wildlife-
dependent public uses will be enhanced and expanded to include all 
three refuges. We will facilitate the protection, restoration, and 
conservation of important water resources through partnerships, public 
education, and stewardship.

Public Availability of Documents

    In addition to any one method in ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain 
documents at the following locations:
     Our Web site: http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/refuges/refugesUpdate/alm_bac_mtv.php
     Public libraries:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Library                    Address             Phone No.
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Alamosa Public Library........  300 Hunt Avenue,          (719) 589-6592
                                 Alamosa, CO 81101.
Carnegie Public Library.......  120 Jefferson Street,     (719) 852-3931
                                 Monte Vista, CO
                                 81144.
Baca Grande Library...........  67487 County Road T,      (719) 256-4100
                                 Crestone, CO 81131.
Saguache Public Library.......  702 Pitkin Ave.,          (719) 655-2551
                                 Saguache, CO 81149.
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    Dated: December 4, 2015.
Matt Hogan,
Acting Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Region, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-31231 Filed 12-10-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

76998 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 238 / Friday, December 11, 2015 / Notices Status: Underutilized Landholding Agency: Energy 589–4021 (phone), or Laurie Shannon, Comments: Documented deficiencies: Property Number: 41201540002 Planning Team Leader, 303–236–4317 Exterior siding, roofing, entry, and Status: Unutilized (phone) or laurie_shannon@fws.gov windows all have significant damage; Comments: Public access denied and no (email). stress cracks on ceiling; structurally alternative method to gain access without unsound. compromising national security. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Reasons: Extensive deterioration Reasons: Secured Area Millerton Storage and Introduction Land Warehouse Building—Building FRPP– With this notice, we finalize the CCP R1785100500B Alabama process for The San Luis Valley Friant CA 93626 220 Acres of Land National Wildlife Refuge Complex. We Landholding Agency: Interior Naval Air Station Whiting Field started this process through a notice in Property Number: 61201540004 Silverhill AL Status: Underutilized the Federal Register (76 FR 14042, Landholding Agency: Navy Directions: 5390 Millerton Rd. Property Number: 77201540011 March 15, 2011). Following a lengthy Comments: Documented deficiencies: Status: Underutilized scoping and alternatives development Exterior siding, roofing, entry, windows all Comments: Public access denied and no period, we published a second notice in have significant damage; inundated by alternative method to gain access without the Federal Register (79 FR 50937, rodents and received significant water compromising national security. August 26, 2014), announcing the damage on exterior walls and the roof. Reasons: Secured Area availability of the draft CCP and draft Reasons: Extensive deterioration EIS and our intention to hold public [FR Doc. 2015–30911 Filed 12–10–15; 8:45 am] 4 Buildings meetings, and requesting comments. We BILLING CODE 4210–67–P MCB Camp Pendleton then published a third notice in the Camp Pendleton CA 92055 Landholding Agency: Navy Federal Register (80 FR 48328, August Property Number: 77201540013 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 12, 2015), announcing the publication of Status: Excess the final CCP and final EIS. Directions: 12104; 12105; 12106; 12107 Fish and Wildlife Service The primary planning area for this Comments: Public access denied and no decision includes Alamosa, Monte alternative method to gain access without [FWS–R6–R–2015–N208; FF06R06000– Vista, and Baca National Wildlife compromising national security. FXRS12610600000–167] Refuges (NWRs), which are located in Reasons: Secured Area Alamosa, Rio Grande, and Saguache San Luis Valley National Wildlife Colorado Counties in the San Luis Valley, Refuge Complex, CO; Availability of Nelson Ranch House Record of Decision for the Final Colorado. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Wildlife habitat on the three national Florissant CO 80316 wildlife refuges includes diverse Final Environmental Impact Statement Landholding Agency: Interior wetlands and playas, riparian areas, Property Number: 61201540002 AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, grasslands, and shrublands that provide Status: Excess Interior. important resources for many migratory Comments: Documented deficiencies: ACTION: Notice of availability. birds, Rocky Mountain elk, deer, and a Structurally unsound; several holes in floors and walls; significant rodent variety of other resident wildlife. About SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and 18,000 to 20,000 greater sandhill cranes infestation; clear threat to physical safety. Wildlife Service (Service), announce the migrate through the valley every spring Reasons: Extensive deterioration availability of a record of decision and fall, where they spend several District of Columbia (ROD) for the final comprehensive weeks resting and foraging for food on Pot Storage Building conservation plan (CCP) and final #NA24 (1230B00024) and around the Monte Vista NWR. The environmental impact statement (EIS) federally endangered southwestern US National Arboretum; 3501 New York Ave. for the San Luis Valley National Washington DC 20002 willow flycatcher breeds along the Rio Wildlife Refuge Complex (Refuge Grande on the Alamosa NWR. Baca Landholding Agency: Agriculture Property Number: 15201540003 Complex). NWR has one of two aboriginal (natural) Status: Excess ADDRESSES: You may view or obtain populations of Rio Grande sucker found Comments: Documented deficiencies: copies of the ROD, the final CCP and in the State. Structurally unsound; roof is collapsing; final EIS, or other project information by Visitors take part in a variety of clear threat to physical safety. any of the following methods: wildlife-dependent recreational Reasons: Extensive deterioration Agency Web site: Download a copy of activities on the Refuge Complex. Every Florida the documents at http://www.fws.gov/ year, the Monte Vista Crane Festival 5 Buildings mountain-prairie/refuges/alm_bac_ attracts thousands of visitors who come Naval Station Mayport mtv.php to see sandhill cranes and waterfowl. Jacksonville FL 32228 Email: slvrefugesplanning@fws.gov. The Monte Vista and Alamosa NWRs Landholding Agency: Navy Include ‘‘Request copy of San Luis are also open for waterfowl and limited Property Number: 77201540012 Valley NWR Complex ROD’’ in the Status: Excess small game hunting, wildlife subject line of the message. observation, photography, Directions: 50–547276; 161–547280; 163– 67386; 437–547349; 1809A–67598 U.S. mail: San Luis Valley NWR interpretation, and environmental Complex, 8249 Emperius Road, education. As part of this CCP and EIS jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Comments: Public access denied and no alternative method to gain access without Alamosa, CO 81101. process, we have considered opening compromising national security. Local Libraries: The final documents the Baca NWR for similar opportunities. Reasons: Secured Area are available for review at the libraries Over 12,000 years of prehistory and Tennessee listed under SUPPLEMENTARY history have been recorded in the San INFORMATION. Luis Valley, and all three national 9949–68, Guard Booth Bear Creek Road at Scarboro Road FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: wildlife refuges contain significant Oak Ridge TN 37831 Sharon Vaughn, Project Leader, at 719– cultural resources. VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:55 Dec 10, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\11DEN1.SGM 11DEN1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 238 / Friday, December 11, 2015 / Notices 76999 In accordance with National every 15 years in accordance with the structure, and function of the natural Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 Administration Act. and modified habitats within the Refuge CFR 1506.6(b)) requirements, this notice Complex. We will consider the CCP Alternatives and Selected announces the availability of the ROD ecological site characteristics and Alternative for the final CCP and final EIS for San wildlife species needs on our Refuge Luis Valley NWR Complex. We Our final CCP and final EIS (80 FR Complex lands by developing sound completed a thorough analysis of the 48328; August 12, 2015) addressed and sustainable management strategies environmental, social, and economic several issues. To address these, we that preserve and restore ecological considerations associated with our developed and evaluated the following (biological) integrity, productivity, and actions. The ROD documents our alternatives: Alternative A—No Action; biological diversity. We will apply selection of alternative B, the preferred Alternative B—Wildlife Populations, strategic habitat conservation principles alternative. Strategic Habitat Restoration, and (a structured, science-driven, and The CCP will guide us in managing Enhanced Public Uses; Alternative C— adaptive approach) in determining how and administering the Refuge Complex Habitat Restoration and Ecological to best manage our lands for native fish, for the next 15 years. Alternative B, as Processes; and Alternative D—Maximize wildlife, and plant species, with a we described in the final EIS/ROD, is Public Use Opportunities. particular emphasis on migratory birds, the foundation for the CCP. After consideration of the more than waterfowl, and declining species listed Background 1,000 comments that we received on the under the Endangered Species Act draft CCP and draft EIS, we have (listed species). Compatible wildlife- The CCP Process selected alternative B—Wildlife dependent public uses will be enhanced The National Wildlife Refuge System Populations, Strategic Habitat and expanded to include all three Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. Restoration, and Enhanced Public Uses. refuges. We will facilitate the 668dd–668ee) (Administration Act), as It is the alternative that best meets the protection, restoration, and conservation amended by the National Wildlife purposes of the refuges, the mission of of important water resources through Refuge System Improvement Act of the National Wildlife Refuge System, partnerships, public education, and 1997, requires us to develop a CCP for and the vision and management goals stewardship. each national wildlife refuge. The set for the Refuge Complex; and it purpose for developing a CCP is to adheres to Service policies and Public Availability of Documents provide refuge managers with a 15-year guidelines. It considers the interests and In addition to any one method in plan for achieving refuge purposes and perspectives of many agencies, ADDRESSES, you can view or obtain contributing toward the mission of the organization, tribes, and the public. documents at the following locations: National Wildlife Refuge System, Additionally, it is the environmentally consistent with sound principles of fish preferred alternative. • Our Web site: http://www.fws.gov/ and wildlife management, conservation, Under alternative B and in mountain-prairie/refuges/ legal mandates, and our policies. We cooperation with our partners, we will refugesUpdate/alm_bac_mtv.php will review and update the CCP at least maintain or restore the composition, • Public libraries: Library Address Phone No. Alamosa Public Library ........................... 300 Hunt Avenue, Alamosa, CO 81101 .................................................................. (719) 589–6592 Carnegie Public Library ........................... 120 Jefferson Street, Monte Vista, CO 81144 ........................................................ (719) 852–3931 Baca Grande Library ............................... 67487 County Road T, Crestone, CO 81131 .......................................................... (719) 256–4100 Saguache Public Library ......................... 702 Pitkin Ave., Saguache, CO 81149 ................................................................... (719) 655–2551 Dated: December 4, 2015. Williams River Water Rights Settlement Settlement Agreement, to provide for Matt Hogan, Act of 2014 (P.L. 113–223) (Settlement the lease of certain land located within Acting Regional Director, Mountain-Prairie Act). The publication of this notice Planet Ranch on the Bill Williams River Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. causes the waivers and release of certain in the State of Arizona to benefit the [FR Doc. 2015–31231 Filed 12–10–15; 8:45 am] claims to become effective as required to Lower Colorado River Multi-Species BILLING CODE 4333–15–P implement the Settlement. Conservation Program, and to provide DATES: This notice is effective December for the settlement of specific water 11, 2015. rights claims in the Bill Williams River DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR watershed in the State of Arizona. The FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: non-federal settling parties submitted a Office of the Secretary Address all comments and requests for signed settlement agreement to Congress additional information to Ruth Thayer, prior to enactment of the Settlement Act [16XD4523WS DS10100000 DWSN00000. Chair, Hualapai Tribe Water Rights 000000 DP10020] (Pub. L. 113–223). The purposes of the Settlement Negotiation Team, Settlement Act are: Department of the Interior, Bureau of (1) To achieve a fair, equitable, and Statement of Findings: Bill Williams Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, River Water Rights Settlement Act of final settlement of certain claims among P.O. Box 61470, Boulder City, NV jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 2014 certain parties to water rights in the Bill 89006. (702) 293–8426. Williams River watershed in the State of AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Arizona for ACTION: Notice. Settlement Act directs the Secretary of (A) the Hualapai Tribe (acting on the Interior to enter into the Big Sandy behalf of the Tribe and members of the SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior River-Planet Ranch Water Rights Tribe); and (Secretary) is publishing this notice in Settlement Agreement and the Hualapai (B) the Department of the Interior, accordance with section 9 of the Bill Tribe Bill Williams River Water Rights acting on behalf of the Department and, VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:55 Dec 10, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\11DEN1.SGM 11DEN1


Document Created: 2018-03-02 09:13:51
Document Modified: 2018-03-02 09:13:51
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of availability.
ContactSharon Vaughn, Project Leader, at 719- 589-4021 (phone), or Laurie Shannon, Planning Team Leader, 303-236-4317 (phone) or [email protected] (email).
FR Citation80 FR 76998 
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